Max Verstappen will return to GT3 racing at the GT World Challenge Europe finale in Portugal next month.

Max Verstappen will drive a Mercedes-AMG GT3 at Portimao on October 16-18 for the GT World Challenge Europe finale under the Verstappen Racing banner. The Red Bull driver will compete in the same Pro category as MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, who races for BMW's factory-supported WRT team.

The surprise appearance became possible after a late change to the World Endurance Championship calendar left Verstappen Racing's regular drivers Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella unavailable due to conflicting commitments at the Barcelona 6 Hours. Gounon will race for Alpine while Juncadella drives for Genesis.

This marks Verstappen's first GT World Challenge series appearance and his first GT3 outing since the Nurburgring 24 Hours in May. The four-time Formula 1 champion expressed enthusiasm for competing at Portimao, calling it one of his favorite circuits.

The race weekend creates a busy schedule for Verstappen, who will contest seven consecutive races between Azerbaijan and Brazil. He has expanded his sportscar racing activities for 2026, planning returns to the Nurburgring 24 Hours next year and adding Spa-Francorchamps 24 Hours to his 2027 schedule.